Madurai Temple Fest: Thousands Brave Heat for Vaikasi Visakam

On Saturday, thousands of devotees converged at the Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy temple in Madurai for the Vaikasi Visakam festival. Devotees arrived early, carrying milk pots and kavadis, fulfilling vows through various traditional practices. Lord Murugan was brought to the Kambathadi mandapam for abhishekam, which continued throughout the day using milk offered by worshippers. The temple administration implemented measures against the heat, laying coir mats and organizing separate queues. Madurai corporation provided water showers, drinking water, and medical facilities, with mobile toilets also available. Officials reported over 120 individuals received medical treatment, with two requiring hospitalization. AMMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran criticized the government's arrangements, claiming inadequate facilities led to devotees fainting. Minister C. T. R. Nirmal Kumar refuted claims of widespread fainting, stating only one person fainted and others experienced fatigue, asserting that all necessary facilities were promptly arranged.